Mr Massimiliano Allegri was interviewed by DAZN after Verona–Milan 0–1. The Rossoneri are back to winning, the table looks a bit brighter, and there is more calm. These were the words of the Rossoneri coach.
“First of all, today’s match was complicated: we were coming off two defeats. When you get to the last six games, the points become important: the objective is there, and there is fear of not reaching it. It’s normal that there is much more pressure. Playing here in Verona is always complicated, regardless of the fact that Verona have only taken 18 points… They have bursts where, if you allow them, you risk conceding. Then we could have done better technically, but at this moment you have to focus on the essentials, take home the result, and reach the Champions League objective.”
You were quite angry with the forwards for not attacking the space:
“Yes, at certain moments we could have attacked the space more with the forwards, which would have stretched Verona. But the most important and positive thing is that there was commitment from everyone in the defensive phase. In the situations where we risked a bit, they were mostly scrambles, apart from the ball we gave away at the end of the first half. The team wanted to bring home this win because they knew how important it was. We’re at the end of the season; the result goes beyond nice plays and attractive football. That’s normal.”
How did you experience the final minutes of the match? What were you thinking? Were you unhappy with how the ending was managed? How important was it to have Gabbia back?
“Gabbia had a good match, but the application was there from everyone. Then we certainly need to improve in certain moments of the match: you concede a chance at the end of the first half, we win the ball back and Bartesaghi takes off and accelerates, we lose it again and they put it back into our box. These are situations we need to improve. But Bartesaghi is in his first year at this level, so it’s normal he might run into these kinds of mistakes. Everyone needs to do better technically. This result doesn’t guarantee us a place in the Champions League, but we’re a good way forward.”
Did the boos for Rafael Leao wake him up? Allegri replied:
“He had a good match and provided a good assist for the goal. Then at that moment I needed a striker with different characteristics, and Giménez came on. Everyone has to feel important, including those on the bench, because there are five matches left and everyone must be ready to come on in the best possible condition.”
Tare said you are working together to plan for the future. But could a call from the national team make you waver?
“At the moment there’s no call at all; my focus is on Milan. We started a path together and we will continue it together.”
